Hampered by a nasty cut over his eye, suffered in the third round, Eubank was consistently off-balance as Groves used his experience and boxing skills.

Increasingly desperate – and clearly hoping the West Londoner, whose stamina has been questioned, would tire – Eubank continued to charge forward and appeared to be wobbled by a couple of powerful shots in the ninth round.

Groves did appear to be hurt – certainly tired – during a frenetic final round in which Eubank had some success, but he saw the fight out for a resounding win.